Bowl-night bounty

Wednesday

Come Tuesday evening, many central Ohioans will tune in the Sugar Bowl to see Ohio State take on Arkansas.

The timing, however, is lousy.

Come Tuesday evening, many central Ohioans will tune in the Sugar Bowl to see Ohio State take on Arkansas.

The timing, however, is lousy.

Plenty of people will be at work that day, and, for those with 9-to-5 hours, party-planning time will be limited.

The goal might be to serve some sugar and some pork (the Buckeyes will face the Razorbacks, after all) - but quickly and easily.

We've come up with recipes that fit all the requirements: Whip up a batch of Honey-Glazed Pork Meatballs the night before - to be warmed by kickoff. Set out Sugar-and-Spice Pecans (also made the night before); then put on the pork for Mini Pulled-Pork Sandwiches. Round out the menu with purchased potato salad, a vegetable tray and cookies.

Not yet ready to think about bowl-game celebrations? Each of the recipes works well for casual New Year's Eve parties and weekend NFL matchups.

HONEY-GLAZED PORK MEATBALLS

Makes about 8 appetizer servings

You can make the meatballs the night before, then glaze them on game night. If you're really pressed for time, you can use frozen meatballs, but it's hard to find ones made of pork - and that's the whole idea for a Razorback-busting party.

Start the cooking when you get home, and the sandwiches will be ready by kickoff time at about 8:30 p.m. Slider-size hamburger buns are available at many supermarkets. You could also use dinner rolls. Serve these with purchased potato salad.